New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2014 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Prater will be eligible to return to the Broncos' active roster on Oct. 6 following the team's Oct. 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
He is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.
The Denver Post reported over the weekend that the offense is alcohol-related. He has been in the league's alcohol program since being charged with driving under the influence on Aug. 12, 2011.
"I am definitely going to make some changes in my life: not drink at all or risk doing anything stupid like that," said Prater before Monday's practice. "I need to keep myself out of certain situations where people are drinking."
Prater, 30, converted 25-of-26 field goals last season.
Mitch Ewald, an undrafted rookie from Indiana, is Prater's backup.
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